ISTANBUL – A shocking incident of discrimination and hostility has occurred at a shopping mall in Esenyurt, Istanbul. 8-year-old Toprak, who is autistic, was refused entry to an indoor sand playground by a staff member.
Toprak was brought to the sand play area by his mother to have fun and socialize. However, they were blocked at the entrance by an employee who claimed the child could not be admitted due to his autism. When the mother attempted to record this discriminatory treatment on her mobile phone, she faced physical intervention from the staff member, who tried to forcefully stop the recording. The footage of the incident quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread anger. Citizens and disability rights advocates are demanding
immediate accountability and legal action
.The right of children with special needs to play cannot be taken away. This is a clear violation of human rights and unacceptable discrimination!